Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
Introduction
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a delicious and guilt-free treat perfect for breakfast or a post-workout snack. Packed with whole grains and protein, they offer a rich chocolate flavor without the extra sugar. Enjoy a moist, satisfying donut that fuels your day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Step 3: In another bowl, mix applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick but pourable.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops.
- Step 6: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
- Step 7: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Add optional toppings like dark chocolate chips, nuts, or a peanut butter drizzle before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free option, skip the peanut butter drizzle and use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds as a topping.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin for mini muffins instead.
- Using applesauce helps keep the donuts moist and reduces the need for added oil.
- Experiment with different protein powder flavors like vanilla or mocha to change the taste.
Storage
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds until soft and slightly warm. These donuts can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if preferred. The texture may be slightly lighter, but the donuts will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have chocolate protein powder?
If you don’t have chocolate protein powder, you can use unflavored protein powder and increase the cocoa powder to 1/3 cup for extra chocolate flavor.
Print
Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Healthy Chocolate Protein Donuts are a guilt-free treat packed with whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. They are easy to make, baked to perfection, and a great high-protein snack or breakfast option that combines indulgent chocolate flavor with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Dark chocolate chips
- Crushed nuts
- A drizzle of natural peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan, ensuring the pan is well coated to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients to ensure they are well combined and aerated.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, thoroughly mix the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should remain thick but pourable.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops evenly with the back of a spoon for uniform donuts.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
- Cool Down: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes to set, then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
- Add Toppings: Once cool, optionally top the donuts with dark chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or drizzle with natural peanut butter to add extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce as a healthy substitute for oil or butter to keep the donuts moist and lower in fat.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts; a few lumps are okay.
- These donuts are best eaten within 2-3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature or can be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- You can freeze the baked donuts for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy chocolate donuts, protein donuts, baked donuts, whole wheat donuts, low-fat snack, high-protein breakfast
